Together - On the Same Side
Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Youth in Serbia
- Srpski
- English
Arandjelovac, September 2024 – “Talking about mental health is nothing to be ashamed of. Talk about yourself, talk about what you need, talk about how you feel. It helped me, and I’m sure it will help you too,” says 22-year-old Milica with a smile and a quiet confidence.
Today, Milica lives in Belgrade, pursuing her studies at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts, where she majors in theatre, radio, and cultural management and production. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, reading books, and attending theatre performances. However, Milica’s journey to confidence and happiness wasn’t always easy. As a child, she faced her first struggles with mental health. Now, she shares her story to let other young people facing similar challenges know they are not alone and that help and support are within reach.
“My parents divorced in 2009, when I was six years old, and from that point on, it was just my mom, my sister, and me. It was a turbulent time, and that’s when the first signs of insecurity and fear began to surface. I was afraid of being abandoned and losing the love of those closest to me—my parents and my sister,” she explains.
Milica was once a talkative and lively child, remembers her mother, Tatijana, a preschool teacher at a preschool in Arandjelovac.
"She began withdrawing; she was no longer as bold or assertive as she used to be," says her mother.
As Milica grew older, each change seemed to introduce a new fear.
“Somehow, I found refuge in school because I felt imperfect in other areas and, in a way, not enough. The only validation my seven-year-old mind could grasp was achieving perfect grades,” Milica explains.
Her teenage years were even more difficult. The first year of high school brought new insecurities and fears.
“I just couldn’t find myself in the math stream. My grades slipped a bit, which affected me vera deeply. I stopped socialize with anyone,” Milica says.
Her emotional discomfort soon began to affect her physical health. She couldn’t eat and often cried, both at home and in public. She hid her feelings from both her family and friends.
“My mom noticed something was wrong. I remember we sat down, and she asked me, ‘What’s happening? What do you want me to do for you?’ That was the turning point. For the first time, I opened up about what was weighing on me, and my mom, like any mother, immediately knew what to do,” Milica says.
Her mother helped her transfer to another class and find professional support.
“It's more important to hold your child close, to make them feel safe, and to give them a big hug so they know you are their safe haven and that you’ll protect them. Every parent must listen to each of their children, no matter how many they have. You need to recognize that look, that smile—whether it's there or not. To me, that’s what parenting is, and we shouldn’t run away from problems,” she says.
Young people often don’t know when to ask for help. They feel ashamed, afraid of judgment, and fearful of discrimination. Based on her own experience and conversations with peers, Milica believes that young people need support now more than ever, as mental health remains poorly understood and rarely discussed, both publicly and within families.
“The college years, separating from family, and starting an independent life change our identity and personality. They demand a lot of sacrifice, responsibility, and taking initiative. These are major transitions for all of us, especially at this age. I see how many young people lose their sense of direction, and I believe the conversation about mental health needs to be elevated to a much higher level,” she says.
Young people need easy access to information about mental health, as well as free support services at the local level.
That’s why UNICEF, through the “Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Programme” (MHPSS), is working with partner organizations and supporting the Government of Serbia to improve the mental well-being of children and young people. Efforts are continuously focused on providing mental health services without stigma, enhancing cross-sector collaboration, and strengthening the capacity of professionals. Innovative community services are being developed, and awareness is being raised among young people to help them understand that mental health challenges are common and treatable. This approach normalizes seeking help and promotes taking care of one’s mental health.
“It’s crucial for young people to have access to psychotherapists, workshops and counselling services. There are probably many children who would attend and open up if they had the opportunity,” says Tatijana.
The mental health of young people can shape their future, friendships, learning, and life decisions, which is why it should be a priority in society, Milica believes. She encourages young people to seek support from family, friends, and relevant institutions.
“Today, I feel great. I’m doing well. I understand what’s good for me, and I’m working to stay on that path. That means continuing my education and developing personally. I have a large circle of friends who are a tremendous support to me. Theatre has also helped me discover myself,” Milica says proudly.
